#MNR: SUMMER MADNESS IS COMING!
 
“Mook coulda did this shit but he was for the wrong purpose. Cave dots. Since you joined him you in the same spot. Look how they slave Roc. He reppin’ like they paid Roc. He shoulda saved Roc. Now I got him crying at his grave. Bat, bat! I’m Bruce Wayne, they flying through the cave!”
Calicoe (versus Tay Roc, Summer Madness V)
 
Summer Madness XII, the Super Bowl of battle rap, is going down this Saturday, September 24. The location is Charlotte, North Cackalack. It airs live on Caffeine por gratis (that’s free to you one language niggas). It’s looking like a Gun Titles Summer Madness, as all the men from the quintet (Pristavia, the lone female, is the fifth member) collective are on the card.
 
#BXNYC prodigy Chess faces the reinvigorated Brick City great Shotgun Suge in a rematch battle. Both battlers said they were looking forward to the rematch, as they felt that they are capable of better performances than their first time around on UW. To add full context, Chess was set to battle Daylyt, who declined because he’s focused on his December battle with Loaded Lux AND because his “team” said he’d be better battling a “boss” from Gun Titles. I’m guessing that’s Surf because he already battled and beat Tay Roc. Chess was then slated to battle T-Rex, but Rex is focused on his battle next month and doesn’t want to be anything other than 100%. Suge’s last two performances (I had him smoking Drugz but losing to Stumbles 2-1, although the app tally and most fans disagree) have been vintage Suge, and he earned the short notice battle IMO. I got Chess 2-1 clear. If he chokes or has indigestion in a round (IYKYK), I got Suge with the 2-1 edge.
 
In a battle that was postponed a month or two ago, Los Scandalous’ Danny Myers is battling Fonz, the Landlord of Cleveland. This is an intriguing matchup, as Danny has finally gotten his first SM nod after running through quality opponents for the last couple years (and prior to), save a couple of mishaps. Fonz too is in the running (along with Danny) for Champion Top 20 this year and may catapult to the Top 5 with a victory over the Bar God. I got Danny with a 2-1 slight edge in perhaps the battle of the night, but I will be far from surprised if the Landlord pulls it off.
 
Baltimore County native Tay Roc, my choice as the overall GOAT of the URL era of battle rap (2010- ), is facing South Cackalack rep Swamp in a match that has been a long time coming. Roc has been his usual top tier self, with impressive wins this year against T-Top and Viixen. His Danny battle is debatable, although I had Danny winning 2-1 clear. Swamp has been the darling of the URL this year, making an unlikely run to the Ultimate Madness 5 tournament final before falling to champion JC in a controversial 2-1 decision. He beat Shotgun Suge (in another controversial decision), Fonz and Rum Nitty on his way through the tougher side of the tournament brackets en route to the final. He SMOKED Dot at Civil War in between the tourney semifinal and final, with one of the most convincing 30 balls of 2022. This is going to be a great battle. I’m certain Swamp will be fully prepared for the biggest look of his career. But will he be able to stand there against Roc punching his head off back-to-back for rounds that may very well be north of six minutes? Can he do it on the big stage in front of 3K fans (even if it’s in the Carolinas)? I don’t think so. I got Roc 2-1 clear, but I think Swamp has a fighter’s chance.
 
In the battle that will determine the hierarchy of real talk, Detroit legend Calicoe faces Philadelphia’s finest, Eazy the Block Captain, who is undefeated on the URL app at 11-0. This one is by far the toughest for me to call. Calicoe is fresh off an amazing battle versus Fonz in Fonz’s backyard at The Rap Committee. I had Cal with the 2-1 edge, but I can see it being 2-1 Fonz, hometown advantage included. Cal beat Chess 2-1 clear in his last URL big stage appearance. Eazy is undefeated, so there’s no need to speak any further on perfection. But I must state that with the exception of Chess (his teammate), he’s easily cleared every competitor he’s faced, and he’s faced the best of the best: K-Shine, T-Top, Danny Myers, A-Verb, among others. One thing we know is that Calicoe can neutralize whatever it is that makes his opponent special. Will his sorcery work against Eazy? That’s the million-dollar question. It hasn’t happened – yet. Like I said, I can’t call it. PICK ‘EM, with a slight personal edge to Eazy. I think Cal is going to attempt to “real talk” Eazy to death while Eazy is going to try to punch his head off.
 
In the main event, Rolling Loud Tsu Surf of Brick City, New Jerz fame faces Pontiac, Michigan’s JC, Ultimate Madness 5 winner and people’s champ. The debate has been on and craccin’ since the battle was announced weeks ago. Tsu is the face of URL. I didn’t call him Rolling Loud Tsu for nothing. After his battle, he’ll take a private jet from Charlotte to Queens (perhaps Teterboro) to hit the Citi Field stage on day three of the mega concert. Surf seemingly has the most ardent fans in battle rap, and they will be heavy in the Charlotte crowd – many that are simply loyal fans and plenty of super meat glazing fans. But damn it, Surf has been that good his last few battles. He’s reclaimed all the respect he lost during his 2-Round Tsu run, which culminated with him getting smoked by Loaded Lux and 40 B.A.R.R.S. But in his defense, those battles came during the COVID shutdowns and were small room events. Tsu Surf is Big Stage Tsu and has not lost since the big stages returned to battle rap about a year ago. The argument in this contest is whether JC and his amazing pen will be enough to stand on that big stage against Surf, his aura and about 2K loyal fans hanging on every word and bar Surf spits. And lawd...when he enters AMG mode...it may get dark for JC. JC definitely has a top-5 pen, arguably the best, depending on who you ask. My fear for JC is that his complex rhyme structure and the time it takes to get to his punches will be engulfed by Surf’s aura, consistent punches and 2/3 majority of the crowd gassing any and everything he says. I got Surf with the 2-1 edge. I’m a fan of both competitors, but I’m rooting for the underdog. I hope JC wins because it will only make the arguments about who’s who more intriguing. I can’t wait for Saturday. Please don’t try to contact me from 1500-2200 hours Saturday. I’m not available.
 
Will there be a surprise, unannounced battle? I’m hearing Kyd Slade/Tru Foe rumblings in light of the Stumbles debacle. We shall see. If it is, I got Slade with the 2-1 edge.
 
I gotta agree with my guy Ceddy Nash, Tee Grizzley. I 100% believe that the MF who stole $1M in cash and jewelry from you is a nigga from your circle. Like Ceddy said: B&E (breaking and entering) artists don’t smash windows to gain access. They usually have an entry point of some sort that is much less noisy and much more convenient. I’m sure the jewelry was insured, and the cash was unreported, anyway. I’m lying. I have no clue. But knowing niggas...I’m prolly right. Chalk it up and consider it as a learning lesson. We just lost PNB Rock to a negro robbery (allegedly). We need our young Black men alive and able to earn for themselves and their families/circles. In addition to your music, you have one of the hottest GTA V online servers, earning six figures monthly while taking your folk off the streets and paying them handsomely in the process. I like and respect the way you move, young fella. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. I’m just happy you weren’t home and didn’t have to kill or be killed. The money can be recouped, and the jewelry was prolly a come-up if you inflated the value to insurers. This too shall pass. More money will be made, and more jewelry will be copped. You need to take inventory on who your folk are because something ain’t right.
 
That’s all for this week. I’m coming back on my Political Ty tip very soon. I’ve got sooooo much to talk about. Until then, stay safe, dangerous and paid. To the projects I’m ghost, shorty wop, one love.
 
Happy birthday Aceito. God dad loves you very much.
 
tymonday.com: @tymonday on Twitter & IG
crewunb.com: @crewunB on Twitter & @theunbearablescrew on IG

MNR: EARTH (BIRTH) DAY EDITION
 

“I woke up early on my born day, I’m twenty years, a blessing. The essence of adolescence leaves my body now I’m fresh (and). My physical frame is celebrated cuz I made it. One quarter through life, some godly, like fame created.”
Nas
 
I MADE IT TO MY GEORGE GERVIN YEAR. I’M 44 YEARS STRONG.
 
Now, the typical birthday blog would be a bunch of blah, blah, blah about how I coulda made an early departure from life like too many others. Nah. We’re not doing that. This isn’t a “never woulda made it” blog. I am supremely thankful to the Lord, mom (in heaven) and dad – they knew the time (IYKYK). But I’m not trying to portray some “last man standing” type shit. I’m not finna cry and carry on. I did that on my 30th. Mentally and emotionally, I’m in a good place in life. I’m happy to be alive every day of the year. The only special thing about 9.10 is that it was my introduction to the world – in 1978. Other than that, it’s business as usual. I’m also thankful for Brandi and all my brothers and sisters from other mothers. I’m thankful for the legalization of cannabis. I don’t have to pee on myself a little whenever I’m riding dirty and the fuzz is in the rear view. I’m thankful.
 
This is the first year that I didn’t make a birthday post for any social media in quite a while. I used to make a tweet and IG on my born day, but who cares? I always call out MF who appear to be thirsty for attention, and I feel that being a hypocrite isn’t becoming. In all honesty, I probably was. I loved the attention and accolades I got from my “followers” (I hate that term) on Twitter and IG. It’s a favorable “all eyes on me” moment. I enjoyed the retweets/mentions and IG likes/comments. They’re all warm fuzzies. But when I criticize the next person in the same breath, it immediately becomes hypocrisy. Ultimately, I’m at the point in life where I’m always more likely to be in-cog-NEGRO.
 
Inflation is way past ridiculous these days. Yeah, I know that’s an obvious statement. But damn it, sometimes the obvious must be stated. Thankfully, gas prices have returned to somewhere close to normal (in most places I’m guessing). I can’t say the same for groceries. Inflation has boosted food prices to a near-ridiculous level. My immediate thought and example are mayonnaise.  Mayo is damn near five dollars. Five dollars? In fucking sane. In addition, manufacturers have quietly decreased the weight/amount/size of products. My immediate thought and example are Doritos. Doritos has reduced the packaging size of bags as well as the weight of its contents while increasing the prices. It is more than noticeable. There is no return to “normal” pre-pandemic and inflation prices, from what I’ve read. The increase is here to stay.
 
First and foremost, rest in paradise to PNB Rock. I pray for healing for his family, especially for his little girl, who was with dad and mom when he was assassinated. It’s a damn shame that a family can’t enjoy a meal at Roscoe’s without a life being taken. Tragedy aside, there are specific points to be made in the aftermath of the loss of another Black man who chose music as his career.
 
We’ve learned that both PNB and his child’s mother made social media posts that revealed their location. I’ve always felt that a relative unknown like myself shouldn’t post a location, and if I do, it’s long after I’ve left said location. I figured celebrities learned as much from Pop Smoke and the IG post that led to his assassination. That was a bit different yet in the same ballpark. Pop’s assassins got his addy from a note on a Mike Amiri bag in an IG post. It was a costly but honest mistake. The argument in PNB’s situation is regarding dropping locations in social media posts altogether. It made him a sitting duck. I recommend against “dropping lo’s.” Showing fans that you’re “outside” [in the moment] isn’t worth it. Like I said, drop that shit hours later when you’re back home in Calabasas smoking a husky L while relaxing on a floaty in your backyard pool. I make sure my location is off on Twitter, IG and Snap. It’s a wise choice for celebrities and unknowns alike.
 
I’m not mad at PNB for wearing his jewelry in South Central Los Scandalous. He worked hard to purchase it. It was his. But there is plenty to be said about subtlety, especially when moving around a m.A.A.d. city. L.A. has been on fire for quite a while. I still remember the LAPD brass telling out-of-towners a year or so ago that they didn’t recommend them visiting Los Angeles because police couldn’t guarantee their safety. Ain’t shit changed but the crime rate.  YouTube shows brazen L.A. robberies in broad daylight. Them niggas don’t give two fucks about snatching a rich white woman out her luxury sedan and taking her Rolex off her wrist while strong arming her for her vehicle. The same type of trouble man/men is/are also following the affluent to their homes and “taking” upon arrival. And this is in the “nice” areas. You KNOW these niggas don’t give a fuck about pulling a jux on a Black celebrity eating in a restaurant in the hood. The latest I heard (which I cannot verify) is that PNB and his family were sitting in the restaurant for upwards of 45 minutes when the trouble man came in to take what he wanted. The word is that he and PNB tussled for a while, as PNB refused to give it up. Apparently, the skirmish didn’t last for long, as the robber fired on PNB and struck him several times. Unfortunately, I saw that man’s life leaving him on a Snap, which leads me to my final argument on the topic.
 
I find it absolutely disgusting that a MF’s first instinct is to pull a camera out and record during an impending tragedy. I’m not condemning the camera person for not helping, I’m condemning him/her for recording in the first place. It’s an obvious clout move that shows just how fucked up the average person’s mind is. That man’s family may have seen that footage before they even received word that he was in peril. That’s nasty work. I was on Twitter shortly after the initial Snap was posted. He hadn’t even been pronounced dead. His shit was already up. It was an obvious clout move. The person who posted the footage said that it was no different from a news outlet posting a celebrity death. That’s a MF lie. The news will not show footage of a homicide. If anything, they will show the footage but will stop short of showing the actual shooting/stabbing/whatever. Irrespective of whether you agree with the sentiment, it’s untrue. Not even TMZ will show a death. This is eerily similar to all the NYC MTA online footage of fucked up individuals on the trains putting hands and feet on women. MF will record but MF will not help. It’s an ugly nation.
 
I’ve stayed away from political blogs because I needed to take a break from politics. I dive way too deep, naturally. I read from at least seven different news sites on a daily basis. I had to step back. But trust...I’m coming back with a vengeance soon. Neither side of the aisle is safe. Until then, let the band continue to play on. Mobb niggas to the exit, we out.
 
BRENT FAIYAZ IS A GENIUS. WASTELAND IS A MUST-HAVE FOR ALL OF US WHO SPEND WAY TOO MUCH TIME IN OUR OWN HEADS.
 
tymonday.com: @tymonday on Twitter & IG
crewunb.com: @crewunB on Twitter & @theunbearablescrew on IG

​#MNR: GUARD YOUR GRILL
 
“I’m just about broke to the letter. It can’t get any worse, shit can only get better.”
Mic Geronimo
 
“Anytime, anywhere. I will go anywhere. Won’t you trust me, baby? Stay with me. ‘Til death do us part, you’ll always be right in my heart. Won’t you please stay with me? Baby, please believe in me.”
Big Bubba Drakeford, Englewood 4th Ward Legend (courtesy of Mary J. Blige)
 
When we view classic albums in retrospect, we find that they rarely (if ever) spawned out of nothingness. There was usually at least one underlying conflict and/or the way the conflict was resolved that fueled the passion for the work. This passion creates the spark that makes the album indelible in our hearts and music history. Picture it: Yonkers/Manhattan, 1994. For Mary J. Blige and her seminal sophomore release My Life it was exactly that – her life. She dealt with the hangover of a highly successful debut (What’s the 411?), dealing with newfound fame and the twin pains of heartbreak and drug use (I will stop short of calling it abuse). The collective pain bled through the speakers and made her uber empathetic, as many could relate to the ups and downs of relationships and the ways in which we cope. Mary channeled this pain, and with the artistic genius and direction of P. Diddy, she dropped what I feel is the greatest album of my lifetime that isn’t titled Thriller. Fleetwood Mac circa 1977 is another example. The group dealt with a two-fold breakup: the breakup of a relationship between two band members as well as original members leaving the group. Fleetwood Mac was the literal embodiment of internal issues. To many, the band was in absolute turmoil and their best days appeared to be in their rear view. Some pondered whether they would disband. So how did the band respond? They dropped one of the most acclaimed albums of the period (and all-time), aptly titled Rumors. Don’t stop – thinking about tomorrow...
 
Now, let me connect thoughts like Magnetix.
 
If the right person looked at mine and CEO’s lives through the right lens in perfect lighting, that MF would swear that CEO and I are on the verge of dropping a super-classic album. The genre? Prolly a rap/R&B hybrid, heavy on the blues. At the moment, shit just ain’t right – on a few levels. But I do know one thing for certain: trouble don’t last always. We’re going to get through it, just as we always have. The bright side is having a brother that you can call and just talk about life to. There’s no fake machismo, overwhelming masculinity or faking. We’ve been brothers for way too long for the superficial shit. If we need to vent, we vent. If we need to shed a tear or three, tears we shed. There’s no judgement, there’s no belittling. It’s a relief and a blessing to have someone to speak to before pressing the red button. We are blessed. And irrespective of the curveballs life throws us, we’re still ’02 Barry Bonds & ’21 Aaron Judge (insert two mechanical arm emojis).
 
Unc once told me that I’m not a survivor. I’m an “endurer.” I’m going to continue to stay faithful and endure. I know my and our day is coming. I will remain undaunted and patient. The Lord is always right on time.
 
I DO NOT WANT TO MAKE THIS A POLITICAL BLOG. I REFUSE TO. BUT FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE AISLE, I SEE ONE SIDE INTRODUCING POLICY THAT CAN HELP ALL AMERICANS. ON THE OTHER SIDE I SEE A CREW OF SYCOPHANTS BLINDLY LOYAL TO A RAGE-FILLED LUNATIC; A LUNATIC THAT SEEMS TO BE GUILTY, BY LETTER OF THE LAW (GEORGIA AND/OR THE DOJ). THAT IS ALL.
 
For most of America, the kiddos are now back in the schoolhouse. I immediately think of the Cosby Show episode when Claire and Heathcliff were more than ecstatic that all those chillun were finally back in school after a long summer. I imagine that’s how most parents feel. As an educator, it’s another trip around the sun. Day one makes it feel like the school year will take forever, but before you know it, the end of the school year is near, and you admit that the year went by fast. Another crop of young minds graduate and begin their journey as young adults. It’s simply a cycle, like most things in life. But it’s a beautiful cycle. I’m relieved that the new school year has begun. It’s time to make the donuts.
 
Someone please do me one huge favor. Please. Go on YouTube and watch FOX 26 (the Houston affiliate) interview with Z-Ro and find out why he felt it was cool to dry snitch on Trae tha Truth and his brother for putting the beats on him. Trae said the ass-whooping was an internal matter, and not some fuck shit. I don’t co-sign jumping a MF if y’all have/had a rapport at some point. But damn it, I need to know why Z-Ro went on local television (FOX at that) to dry snitch. Ain’t that man from big, bad Houston, Texas? Home of the players so there will never be no plexus? Like I said, please watch it for me and let me know what Z had to say. Perhaps he wasn’t dry snitching to the good folk at FOX. Perhaps he went on to speak about some new Houston-area business he owns, and the question just happened to pop up in the line of solid journalism and A-1 news reporting.
 
INSTANT UPDATE: Smmfh – I watched a snippet. The interview is with my guy Isiah Carey, the brother from the FOX 26 Houston affiliate that pops up on my timeline from time to time. Side note: check out The Isiah Factor on YouTube – Isiah is an interesting brother. Having said that, the fact that Z-Ro went on The Isiah Factor is the only reason I’m not talking extra crazy. But...yeah. Z-Ro was on Isiah’s show telling (sighs). For the record, I’m not a member of the Keep it Real Choir. I’m not the type to accuse someone of dry snitching if they’re everyday taxpaying civilians, as snitching doesn’t even apply when members of the community report misdeeds. As taxpayers, they deserve to live in safe neighborhoods. But being a rapper kinda eliminates your civilian status. You’re automatically in it if you spit shit about street life. You can’t keep it real AND tell. It’s the dictionary definition of a paradox. What do y’all think about the situation? Leave a comment.
 
I watched an interesting documentary on YouTube regarding the misconceptions regarding “Patient Zero,” the moniker falsely attributed to the person once believed to be the super spreader of HIV/AIDS back in its nascent stages during the early 1980s. I don’t want to give away too much information, as someone reading may be interested in viewing for themselves. But as a person who has done a deep dive into the history of the disease, I’m certain that watching the documentary will be informative, fascinating and terrifying all at once. The documentary is titled Patient Zero: The MYTH of the AIDS Super Spreader. Sadly, what’s often lost in these types of stories is the humanization of individuals involved. Gaëtan Dugas, the Canadian man who was falsely labeled as Patient Zero, was more than a statistic. He was a beloved individual whose name has been reduced to shit over the past four decades, quite undeservedly. The documentary is put together in a palatable way, making its findings easy to understand and interpret. Check it out if you want to be properly informed.
 
 
“Dying is the hardest part of living your life.”
Fatal Hussein (RIP)
 
The battle rap community lost one of its shining stars over the holiday weekend. Pat Stay, a 36-year-old Canadian battle rapper, was fatally stabbed while trying to break up a fight in his hometown of Dartmouth (Halifax), Nova Scotia. Word of his death sent shockwaves throughout the battle rap community, an esoteric community of which I am a dedicated member. Pat was different, in a couple of ways. First, he was 6’5” in a community where many of the competitors are well under six feet in height. Do you know how crazy it can get when a man over a half a foot taller is invading your personal space, towering over you and barking on you at the same damn time? And believe me, the talk was different. Pat wasn’t the gun-bar type of battler prevalent in the culture (I’d say about 75-80% of battle rappers incorporate gun-bars into their raps). His brand of violent braggadocio was more of the bar fighter type. But perhaps Pat’s greatest gift to the culture was the way he implemented his own brand of unique and witty comedy into his raps. His comedy could instantly diffuse those aforementioned gun-bars from the most believable of competitors. His stature alone made all his talk believable, and his comedic timing only added to his arsenal. Yeah, we may have believed that [insert gun-bar battle rapper’s name] is a wanton killer, but we definitely believed that Pat would beat shit and piss down his legs before he could “up” his Sig/chopstick/whatever firearm he incorporated into his bars. Pat was different. Pat was special. I’m not saying all this because he’s gone. I’m saying all this because it’s the truth. Don’t take my word, though. Go on YouTube and see for yourself. Check out his battle versus the GOAT of URL, the gun-bar king Tay Roc. Then watch his Shotgun Suge battle (a competitor of similar physical stature). Put eyes on his Real Sikh battle, his last on URL. Watch his complement battle versus Rone. Watch the way he owned the crowd when he battled in Germany. You’ll see exactly why we love him the way we do. Rest up, Pat. We’ll see you on the other side.
 
RIP BERNARD. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AS A GENTLE GIANT, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHAT THE NEWS REPORTS REVEALED. A LOT OF PEOPLE AT DM HAD MUCH LOVE FOR YOU. THAT WILL NEVER CHANGE. I PRAY FOR HEALING FOR YOUR BROTHERS AND MOTHER.
 
I recently reconciled with a close family member who I’ve been beefing with the past three years or so. Knowing that “some” beef is everlasting, try to avoid unnecessary drama whenever possible. It’s usually never as serious as it appears to be at surface level. Sly Stone taught us that blood is thicker than mud. Time lost can never be recouped, and it’s too late to reconcile when one party transitions into the afterlife.
 
I wanted Spida, but it WASN'T worth emptying the cupboard for another 6’1” guard with questionable defense who would have only elevated our win ceiling to around 47 games (as projected by whoever does the projecting). Is Donovan Mitchell a star? Absolutely. Is he a superstar? I don’t think he is (at the moment). In my opinion, there are only a handful of true superstars in each professional sport, the true “cream of the crop.” A basketball player who has never been named to any All-NBA team or advanced past the second round of the playoffs is not a superstar. But that’s simply my humble opinion. I’m all for the youth movement, at least until another disgruntled star or superstar who is a better fit decides to call 33rd & 7th Avenue home. I’d acquiesce because I’d have no choice, and because Leon Rose was hired to reel in stars like he did when he was a first-class agent, not to rebuild. I’m certain Rose would pull the trigger to save face with Lil Jimmy Dolan. I heard through the grapevine that Jerry West told the Knicks front office to KEEP Quentin Grimes at all costs and not to include him in the now failed Spida trade. If Jerry West says to hold on to QG it only affirms what has become a growing sentiment amongst us Knicks faithful – that Grimes will be a monster in short time (fingers crossed emoji).
 
Stay blessed, paid and dangerous. Time is Illmatic. I’m gon see y’all real soon unless you see me first. Chow.  
 
tymonday.com: @tymonday on Twitter & IG
crewunb.com: @crewunB on Twitter & @theunbearablescrew on IG